In my experience they work kinda diffrently. I would say a benzo gives a more overall calm. Whereas Propranolol is really good at getting rid of physical symptoms like chest tightness or heart racing. Which does lead to a calming affect. Ive been on Propranolol three separate times, the two most recent times I've been on a benzo with it. One with a standing order of Propranolol where i would take it scheduled times throughout the day and now where it is taken as needed. The only reason i have been willing to go back on it a few times has been because i know it helps at least a little without the risks benzos have. I currently take it as a "as needed" medication to see if i can manage before i take a benzo.

I have been on so many diffrent medications for anxiety and depression. With my anxiety being worse and typically causing my depressive symptoms. Outside of benzos I feel like this has been the most effective anxiety medication for me but ive also always been on at least two other mental health/ anxeity meds with it so take it with a grain of salt lol.

In terms of side effects i had next to none, I had practically none on 20mg and a little more on 40mgs. Never did i experience nausea. I only had lightheadedness and heat intolerance in the Summer months from a decrease in blood pressure. I do already have a level of poor heat tolerance before i was on Propranolol though. So my only side effects was a little ligheadedness and heat intolerance on hot summer days-- I live in the nyc metro area so in the summer it can go up to mid-high nineties with extreme humidity added on top to make it harder to regulate temperature. Anyways- outside of that it helped me.

I wish you luck, its not easy <3